A number of Nissan Bluebird owners return to the plant that built their cars 30 years ago to celebrate the milestone.

• Bluebird Car Club bring their cars back to Nissan’s UK plant
• Dozens of UK car enthusiasts witness Nissan innovation in action
• Visit marks Nissan’s 30^th anniversary in the UK

Thirty years after the first Bluebird rolled off the production line, Nissan fans brought their beloved cars back to the factory to see where it all began.

The 30 enthusiasts, members of the UK’s Bluebird Car Club, enjoyed a VIP visit to Nissan Sunderland Plant, meeting the employees who built their cars and viewing Nissan’s modern manufacturing operations first-hand.

Part of this year’s celebrations marking Nissan’s 30^th anniversary in the UK, the club invited members from across the country to go ‘Back to the Future’ and see how car production has changed since their Bluebirds were made.

Bluebirds of all shapes and colours arrived from as far as Cardiff, 310 miles away, to take part in a special tour of Nissan’s record-breaking manufacturing facilities, joined by long-serving staff who shared stories from the vehicle’s years in production in Sunderland.

Matt Welch, who drove his 1988 Bluebird 1.8 GS hatchback from Newark, Nottinghamshire, said:

“When I was a kid, everybody’s dad had a Bluebird. I’ve always loved these cars because of their retro shape, and growing up, my dream was to own one. A year ago, when I saw this perfectly preserved model on eBay, I went cold. Then I knew, this was the car I’d always wanted. I love it, it’s delicious; I get such a kick out of owning it. We have two other Nissans, however this is our favourite car which we take to shows and special events.”

He continued:

“Coming to the plant where my favourite car was built was a fantastic opportunity. I’ve been around many factory tours, but Nissan was a special one, as I got to come here in a car that I love, a car that’s so over engineered that even after 28 years of being on the road, it’s still as exciting to drive as it was when it was new.”

Ian Marshall, who travelled from Cardiff in his 1989 Bluebird 2.0 Executive, said:

“I've owned 11 Nissans over the last 13 years, six of which were Bluebirds. I’ve owned two GS, a ZX Turbo, a Turbo Executive, a GSXI, as well as an example of the 2.0 Executive version which I managed to find eight years ago.

“I’ve had this Bluebird T72 model for eight years; it's a fantastic car and in a world where most cars have a round shape to them, a vehicle like this really stands out. Aside from its looks, the Bluebird is also incredibly reliable, very well specified. Nissan really went to town on the quality of these cars and really proved how well their cars are built. Everything's to a really high standard and still works in this vehicle; the electric windows, sunroof, everything still works. I’ve also seen models that haven’t been looked after at all and despite that, they just keep running and running.”

Launched in 1986, the Nissan Bluebird 2.0 SGX was the first model to roll off the line at the Sunderland Plant. In 1990, almost 200,000 cars later, Bluebird production was ceased.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan’s Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, said:  “There are some real classics on the road today which we have built in Sunderland and which our customers have taken to their hearts.

“Bluebird is a great example of this. It was the car that started our journey here in Sunderland and it’s always a pleasure to meet customers who share our passion for Nissan vehicles.

“Visits like this are a great reminder of how far technology has moved on in the 30 years we have been making cars in the UK. We used to marvel at things such as electric windows and central locking in these cars, and now we’re gearing up for the launch of a Nissan Qashqai equipped with piloted drive technology.”

The Sunderland Plant has grown to be the largest UK car plant of all time, supporting nearly 40,000 UK jobs and manufacturing one in three of all cars made in Britain.

This year, the Nissan Qashqai overtook the Micra as Nissan’s highest-volume car built in Europe, reaching 2.37m units.

In March, the plant also announced that the refreshed Nissan Qashqai crossover, available from 2017, will be the first vehicle in Europe to feature piloted drive technology.

UK SALES 2015 - Nissan like many others see's it's best ever year in the UK, with over 153,000 Units sold

• Nissan posts best ever UK sales volume in 2015
• Passenger car sales top 153,000 for calendar year
• Market share increases to all-time high of 5.8%
• Nissan’s Sunderland plant produces over 400,000 vehicles for the sixth consecutive year

According to SMMT figures, Nissan Motor (GB) Limited registered a record 153,937 passenger cars in the UK in 2015 further strengthening its position as the nation’s number one Asian automotive brand.

The figure represents an 11% increase on the 138,328 passenger cars sold in 2014 and sees Nissan’s share of the UK new car market rise from 5.59% to an all-time high of 5.85%.

It’s the second year in succession Nissan has broken its own sales record and, as a result, remains the UK’s sixth biggest car brand.

Yet again, the brand’s success was spearheaded by its British-built crossovers. Despite increased competition, the all-conquering Qashqai for example, exceeded expectations with 60,812 units sold, up 29% on the 47,294 sold in 2014.

The Juke continued to defy convention by becoming more popular with each passing year. It sold 40,021 units in 2015 compared to 39,259 in 2014.

Meanwhile, Nissan remained dominant in the pure EV market with sales of the all-electric Nissan LEAF – also built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant – up 29% year-on-year to 5,236.

Including light commercial vehicles (LCVs), Nissan sold 165,448 vehicles in 2015, a rise of 11%.

Also in 2015 Nissan’s Sunderland plant achieved yet another UK industry record. While no other plant in the history of the UK car industry has ever built more than 400,000 cars annually, Nissan Sunderland Plant has now done so for six consecutive years, three of which have seen production rise over 500,000 cars.

Last year the company’s flagship plant in Sunderland entered the premium market for the first time with the start of production of the Q30 – the first new car brand to be built in the UK on such a scale in 23 years.

James Wright, Managing Director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: “2015 was another record year for Nissan in the UK off the back of nine years of successive growth. This fantastic performance was spearheaded by strong demand for our market leading crossovers and EV models. Having just launched two important new models, the NP300 Navara and longer range LEAF, we are confident that this momentum will continue into 2016.”

Nissan announces production, sales and exprt figures for the moth of November 2015.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its production, sales and export figures for November 2015.

1. Production

Nissan's global production in November increased 6.2 percent year-on-year to 461,127 units, an increase for the seventh consecutive year.

Production in Japan increased 6.2 percent year-on-year to 66,680 units, a decline for the first time in two months.

Production outside of Japan increased 6.2 percent year-on-year to 394,447 units, an all-time record for the month of November.

In the U.S., production increased 9.6 percent year-on-year to 82,119 units, an all-time record for the month of November.

In Mexico, production increased 3.9 percent year-on-year to 70,395 units, an all-time record for the month of November.

In the U.K., production decreased 2.4 percent year-on-year to 43,967 units.

In Spain, production declined 17.1 percent year-on-year to 8,481 units.

In China, production was up 14.0 percent year-on-year to 130,758 units.

Production in other regions increased 0.1 percent year-on-year to 58,727 units.

2. Sales

Global sales decreased 0.9 percent year-on-year to 438,557 units, a decline for the first time in six months.

Japan:

• Sales including mini-vehicles declined 9.3 percent year-on-year to 41,786 units, the 18th consecutive month of decline.
• Vehicle registrations decreased 8.8 percent year-on-year to 24,904 units.
• Mini-vehicle sales decreased 10.1 percent year-on-year to 16,882 units.

Sales outside Japan increased 0.1 percent year-on-year to 396,771 units, the seventh consecutive month of increase.

In the U.S., sales increased 3.8 percent year-on-year to 107,083 units, an all-time record for the month of November.

In Mexico, sales increased 4.9 percent year-on-year to 29,930 units, an all-time record for the month of November.

In Europe, sales decreased 14.8 percent year-on-year to 55,742 units.

In China, sales increased 21.9 percent year-on-year to 122,689 units.

Sales in other regions were down 3.3 percent year-on-year to 71,743 units.

3. Japan Exports

Nissan's exports in November increased 8.2 percent year-on-year to 43,637 units, the second consecutive month of increase.

Infiniti starts production of the All New Q30 Active Compact at Sunderland along with its Nissan brand.

• First new car brand to be manufactured on this scale in the UK in 23 years
• First Infiniti vehicle built in Europe, expanding global manufacturing footprint
• £250m investment, new facilities and 300 newly created jobs to support premium quality
• First vehicles to be exported from Sunderland to the USA and China

Infiniti starts production of the Q30 active compact today in Sunderland, UK, as the first vehicle officially rolls off the assembly line. The first new Infiniti Q30 vehicles are now in production at the brand’s newly-built facilities in Sunderland, UK, following a £250m investment that has created 300 new jobs.

Infiniti’s first compact model,the Q30, is also the brand’s first vehicle to be manufactured in Europe. As part of its global growth plan, Infiniti vehicles are now built in five plants in four countries on three continents.

Trevor Mann, Chief Performance Officer of Nissan Motor Corporation, today joins Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti Motor Company,and the 6,700-strong workforce in Sunderland to mark the latest milestone in Infiniti’s global expansion.

Mann says: “Today we are beginning an exciting new chapter in the Infiniti story, and I can’t think of a better place to start than here at Nissan’s Sunderland plant. Over its 30 year history, Sunderland has grown into the UK’s largest automotive plant. It is renowned for delivering high-quality, top-selling vehicles, and is regarded as a world-class production facility with a highly skilled and dedicated work force.

“To prepare for Q30 production, we invested 250-million pounds here in the UK.  This is creating more than 1,000 new jobs in the UK automotive industry. Q30 production is further strengthening our premium vehicle manufacturing capability in Sunderland, and exports to global markets such as China and North America signal the next phase in the expansion of Infiniti and a new chapter for our UK plant.”

The decision to build the Q30 in the UK was made in 2012 in recognition of the outstanding quality standards reached by the workforce in Sunderland over many years. Since then, the plant’s journey to Infiniti has created a new generation of premium car builders, with an unprecedented training programme for 4,000 staff in the requirements and expectations of Infiniti customers.

The workforce also includes a select group of newly-appointed master craftspeople. At each stage of the production process, they ensure every individual Q30 meets Infiniti’s premium manufacturing standards.

New production facilities covering 25,000m² at the Sunderland plant include a 100%-automated body shop, where 134 new robots with laser-welding precision have been installed to build a highly rigid bodyshell, one of the reasons that sound levels in the Q30’s cabin are exceptionally low.

After the Q30 is welded,it is integrated onto the plant’s Line 2 for painting and final assembly, where a second plant extension of 14,500m² has been built. The manufacturing process has been tailored to ensure every Q30 is made for the individual at the Trim & Chassis shop where the Infiniti operators perform 1,191 different tasks to complete each model.

Roland Krueger says: “Q30 comes at a moment of significant opportunity for Infiniti. Following a period of record global sales, we are entering a new segment with the Q30. This new active compact will play a vital role in our strategy to become a top tier global premium brand.”

Instrumental in the development of the Infiniti Q30 were the brand’s European design and technical centres in Paddington and Cranfield, UK respectively. With an expanding network of Infiniti Retail Centres in the UK, the introduction of Q30 manufacturing in Sunderland demonstrates the brand’s strong commitment to the UK.

Infiniti is the first new car brand to be manufactured on this scale in the UK in 23 years, supported by a £9.2m grant from the UK Government through the Regional Growth Fund.

The UK’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, says: “Our automotive sector is the most productive in Europe and that is no small part down to the way government and industry have worked together to develop advanced manufacturing. Today’s announcement demonstrates the strengths of the Northern Powerhouse, with Nissan Sunderland producing models never made outside Japan, China or the US.

“The £250 million investment has not only secured 300 highly-skilled jobs but will also boost our exports, even more so once the premium Infiniti QX30 model goes into production next year.”

EURO NCAP - The All-New Infiniti Q30 hatchback also achieves the full five star Euro Ncap award.

• New Infiniti Q30 achieves maximum five-stars safety rating
• Top scores in all four testing areas

Rolle – The all-new Infiniti Q30 has received the maximum five-star rating by independent vehicle safety organization, Euro NCAP.

The Euro NCAP scoring system considers various aspects of vehicle safety, such as occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist which is the availability and effectiveness of safety systems and driver aids.

As well as achieving the maximum five stars, the Infiniti Q30 gained top scores in each of these four testing categories.

Roland Krueger, President, Infiniti Motor Company, commented: “The Q30 offers a comprehensive technology package that enhances the car’s driving experience while providing maximum safety to all occupants. The five-star rating from Euro NCAP is testament to Infiniti’s advanced safety approach.”

Occupant protection scored highly in the rigorous test program with an 84 per cent rating for adult safety. As well as a driver knee airbag, the Q30 has driver-, passenger-, front hip-thorax side and front-to-rear curtain airbags.

Designed and engineered to offer the best possible levels of protection for children, an automated system in the front passenger seat will turn off the front passenger airbag when someone fits a rearward facing child seat.

For Pedestrian Protection, the Q30 scored 91 per cent, a score which is determined from tests to the most important vehicle front-end structures, such as the bonnet and windshield, the bonnet leading edge and the bumper. The Q30 is equipped with a sensor that detects a pedestrian’s legs contact with the bumper and causes the hood to pop up to give more clearance between the hood surface and the hard parts of the engine to protect pedestrians.

An 81 per cent score in the Safety Assist category was due to the latest safety technologies fitted to the Q30 as part of Infiniti’s acclaimed Safety Shield system. They include Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Alert.

WORLDWIDE SALES - INFINITI - Further growth for this young brand will only get bigger with new products.

• Record-breaking streak continues to achieve 14 best individual months
• Year-to-date sales in China exceeded full-year sales in 2014

Infiniti continued its successful sales performance with an exceptional month of October when the company sold more than 18,400 vehicles globally, an increase of more than 3,000 vehicles or 20% over October 2014. This marked the 14^th consecutive month of best individual months on record.

The global sales result is supported by strong sales performances in key regions and markets. The 2015 October sales marked the best October sales record for Infiniti globally as well as an all-time record month for Canada and the best October sales in history for many regions and markets including the Americas, Mexico, Western Europe and China.

Year to date, the company sold almost 173,000 vehicles, up around 24,300 vehicles or 16% from the same period in 2014. The sales in mainland China and Taiwan in the first 10 months of 2015 have already exceeded the full-year sales in 2014. The Americas have reached highest January to October sales since 2005.

“Infiniti’s strong sales momentum across all regions is driven by the strength of our product portfolio, our brand and our dealer network,” said Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited. “With the introduction of the new Q30 Active Compact coming up shortly, we are confident that we can further expand our market presence.”

In the Americas (U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America), Infiniti sold more than 12,600 vehicles in October, an increase of 2,300 vehicles or 23% from a year ago. Year to date, Infiniti Americas sold about 118,400 vehicles, a 13% increase year on year.

Specifically for the U.S., Infiniti’s largest single market, the brand sold more than 11,100 vehicles in the past month, making it the 2^nd best October ever in its history. From January to October, Infiniti grew 14% year on year, and sold more than 106,700 vehicles, best result in the U.S. for the same period since the year 2005.

In China, Infiniti continues to outperform a sluggish overall automotive market. In October, the brand sold more than 3,700 vehicles, up 29% from last year. In the first 10 months of the year, Infiniti recorded sales of 32,200 vehicles, an increase of 36%.

In EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Infiniti sold about 1,700 vehicles in October 2015, an increase of 3% compared to the same period of 2014. Year to date, the sales reached around 18,200 vehicles, an increase of 1,400 vehicles or 8%.

FRANKFURT - Infiniti showcases it's first compact car the Q30, Luxury, style and a special Europe only model.

• Infiniti’s first global entry in the compact segment, attracting a new generation of premium buyers
• Takes a design-led approach that forges a unique path for a premium car
• Q30 is a vital part of Infiniti’s global growth plans
• Q30 City Black Edition exclusively for sale in Europe

Infiniti has revealed its Q30 active compact during its press conference at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Representing Infiniti’s first global entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment, the Q30 will play an important role in helping the company realise its plans for global growth.

Designed for a new generation of buyers not willing to be defined by their choice of vehicle body type, the Q30 challenges convention with its bold character and daring shape. 

The car stays true to the signature design cues from the original 2013 concept and exemplifies Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development. The unconventional stance and asymmetric interior contribute to an overall design that is certain to command attention.

The development teams behind the Q30 have taken a holistic approach to its engineering, presenting a car that offers exceptional ride and handling. It feels comfortable yet ‘ready to go anywhere’ thanks to the versatile dimensions, confident dynamics and intuitive technologies.

Speaking at the show, Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti, commented: “Q30 makes a daring visual statement through its sculpted, concept-car exterior, unconventional stance and asymmetric cabin design. The car has been engineered to exacting standards to deliver a driving experience that is unmistakably Infiniti. Q30 will accelerate the company’s strategy to become a leading global manufacturer of premium cars.”

The launch of the Q30 comes at a moment of significant opportunity for the Infiniti brand, strengthening its presence in key sales regions. Infiniti sold a record 136,700 new vehicles worldwide during the first eight months of 2015, representing an increase of 14% compared to the same period in 2014. The brand also set records in China, Asia & Oceania, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa).

The Infiniti Q30 will go on sale in selected markets later in 2015. Prices will start from £19,780 OTR for the petrol version and from £20,730 OTR for the diesel version.

In addition to the main Q30 range, Infiniti is launching Q30 City Black Edition – a unique ‘first edition’that has been specially created for European customers as a way of marking Infiniti’s first European-built model. 

Boasting all the savoir faire to be a hit from Paris to Madrid, London to Berlin, Q30 City Black echoes everything that Q30 offers in the most captivating expression of the new active compact, with the emphasis on the highest quality materials and most advanced technologies. Priced from £26,110 OTR the Infiniti Q30 City Black will be available from mid-September as an exclusive Europe-only model.